How Does Stress Shape Experience and Perceptions in Public Space?
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Date
2020-05
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Research on the how the urban environment effects mental health and wellbeing
is in its infancy. Only in recent years have researchers began trying to
understand the relationship between mental health and urban design (Khanade et al,
2018). Stress is a common mental health condition that many people living in urban
environment face. With increased urbanization and the introduction of more urban
stressors to peoples lives, understanding the connection of mental health and urban
design becomes an important one. College students are a group that face stress at a
high rate, due to the demand that academic performance creates, in addition to
stressors of everyday life. Understanding the impact that design has on individuals
stress levels, can lead to a set of informed guidelines to promote better mental wellbeing
in public spaces.
Analyzing public space in the context of The Ohio State University, a group of
eleven undergraduate students completed a mapping exercise and interview to better
understand perceptions of public space and the factors of spatial design that can
mitigate stressed responses. A space where students felt a connection to nature, a
sense of belonging, secure, engaged or could exercise a level personal control over the
space, were found to be more relaxing than environments that did not allow for these
conditions. Designers might benefit from approaches such as adding natural elements,
creating architectural interest, and dedicating spaces for seclusion or interaction. It is
in design interventions like these that we can take a step closer to creating synergies
between mental health and urban design.
Description
Keywords
Urban Design, Mental Health, City Planning, Public Health